What does latency mean?
Latency is the time that elapses between sending and receiving a signal in a network. In the automotive sector, latency refers to data transmission delays in the on-board network. As modern vehicle systems e.g. systems for autonomous driving and driver assistance systems (ADAS), become more complex, the minimization of latency times is becoming increasingly important in ensuring seamless and fast communication between the different electronic components.
How is a cable’s latency influenced?
Latency is influenced by several factors such as cable type, the connectors used, the length of cables, and the number of nodes in the network. High-speed data cables such as H-MTD or HSD are specially designed to minimize latency and ensure the fast transmission of signals. Cable shielding also plays a role as it reduces interference and therefore improves signal quality.
How can latency be reduced in vehicle wiring systems?
The reduction of latency in vehicle wiring systems requires careful selection and optimization of the components used. High-quality connectors and cables designed for high-speed data transmission can significantly reduce latency. In addition, network topologies can be optimized in vehicles to minimize the number of nodes and shorten the direct transmission paths. The use of modern protocols such as TSN (Time-Sensitive Networking), which have been specially developed for low latency times, contributes to the reduction of communication delays.
What developments exist in the area of latency reduction?
Current developments in the reduction of latency times in vehicle networks are focused on improved real-time protocols and special Ethernet standards such as TSN and FPD link. TSN enables the precise synchronization and prioritization of data flows so that important data packages are given priority and can be transmitted without interruption, which is particularly important for safety-critical systems. On the other hand, FPD link offers a bi-directional connection with a high bandwidth and minimum delay which is ideal for ADAS applications as it enables direct, uninterrupted communication between sensors and processors. Further progress such as AVB (Audio Video Bridging) in Ethernet communication and the integration of modern standards such as 1000-base T1 will also enable constant real-time data transmission in the future with high throughput and reduced complexity in the on-board network.
Klaus Bramhofer
Klaus Bramhofer is the Head of Technical Product Management at MD. His mission is to establish MD as a supplier and development partner for connector components in the automotive industry. With an experience of more than 15 years in this industry, Klaus is an expert in this field. After starting his career as an Application Engineer, he established and managed a development department in his position as Manager Development Sensor Cables. Apart from the close contact with customers and working in a global team, Klaus particularly appreciates the intercultural experiences he gains in his job.